Nestled on the ͏sacred Sangam’s banks wh͏ere rivers Ganges ͏Ya͏muna and mythical Saraswati ͏merge la͏ys͏ one of the most revered and unusual temples in Prayagraj (form͏erly known as All͏ahabad͏) Uttar Pradesh In͏dia: the Bade ͏Hanuman Ji Temple. This temple who is dedicate͏d to͏ ͏Lord Hanuman attract devotee and tourist alike not͏ just for its religious significance but also it’s uni͏que ido͏l and deep-rooted͏ cultural heritage they represents.
The Enigma of the Reclining Hanuman Idol
While traditional statues of Lord Hanuman are represented in a standing posture, the idol installed at the Bade Hanuman Ji Temple has a unique feature of lying down . In itself, this idol is not only an impressive religious statue that is about 20 feet long but also an emblem of the deity’s constant watch and ability to leap immediately into combat and begin the fight at any moment.
During the rainy season, the idol has to be immersed in water since it is located close to Holy river ganga & Yamuna, which gives it a mysterious feeling. This is quite an interesting sight and it is a sign to many of devotees symbolizing that Hanuman is an protector who is always involved with the affairs of humanity.
Historical and Cultural Significance
The background of the Bade Hanuman Ji Temple is as enchanting as the god that resides in it. The historical background of the temple cannot be ascertained with certainty but the structure was founded several centuries ago and is to this day considered an important religious site in Prayagraj. The architectural concept and the setting of the temple add to its religious importance because Triveni Sangam is one of the revered sites in Hinduism where devotees arrive in millions during the Kumbh Mela which is the largest religious festival in the world.
Traditionally, it has a significance as a place of worship for different forms of culture, especially during Hanuman Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman. This occasion will see the temple compound being filled with people, all of whom will be visiting the temple to pray. The occasions consist of offering special prayers, singing of bhajan that are devotional songs, and finally offering prasads which are sacred foods.
Legends Associated with Bade Hanuman Ji Temple, Prayagraj
The Bade Hanuman Ji Temple in the prayer city of Prayagraj, apart from being religious, holds historical and mythological stories and is quite fascinating. Here are some of the fascinating legends associated with this temple:
The Divine Dream and the Merchant
One of the most captivating legends involves a wealthy merchant who played a pivotal role in the idol’s current location and posture. According to the legend, this merchant was guided by a divine dream to leave the idol at the sacred Sangam confluence. It is said that this divine intervention led to the idol’s distinctive reclining posture, partially submerged in the waters of the Ganges. This unique aspect of the idol being in a reclining position and partially submerged is not found in any other Hanuman temple worldwide.
The King of Kannauj and the Submerged Idol
Another intriguing story is linked to the king of Kannauj, who desperately wanted an heir. The legend narrates that the king was instructed by his guru to install a statue of Hanuman in his kingdom. While transporting the statue by boat, he decided to rest at Prayag, where the boat unexpectedly broke during the night, causing the idol to submerge in the river.
Devastated, the king returned to his kingdom without the idol. Years later, when the water level of the Ganges decreased, a devotee named Baba Balagiri Ji Maharaj discovered the deity while digging the dhuni, leading to the establishment of the temple at this site.
The Spiritual Potency and Aurangzeb’s Attempt
A more historical legend involves the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, who, recognizing the spiritual potency of the Bade Hanuman Ji idol, attempted to have it removed and thrown into the Ganges. However, every time his soldiers tried to lift the idol, it miraculously sank deeper into the ground, thwarting their efforts. This story highlights the believed divine power and protection bestowed by Lord Hanuman on this sacred site.
Lord Hanuman’s Rest After the Lanka Battle
There is also a legend that after the epic battle of Lanka, as narrated in the Ramayana, Lord Hanuman was extremely fatigued and sustained several injuries. It is said that on the insistence of Goddess Sita, Hanuman laid down to rest at the site where the temple now stands. This legend ties the temple’s location directly to the epic narrative of the Ramayana, enhancing its spiritual significance.
These legends do not only add meaning to Bade Hanuman Ji Temple but also serves as an inspiring temple of devotee encouragement. These stories add beauty and meaning to the temple and each one brings in enthusiasts as well as tourists who come to seek divine blessings and to get a taste of reality of the temple, which is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites.
Architectural Aspects
The architecture of Bade Hanuman Ji Temple is modest yet imbued with spiritual aura. The temple structure is simple, primarily focusing on the idol itself, which captivates the attention of all who enter. The surroundings of the temple are serene, providing a tranquil space for prayer and meditation.
The Devotional Experience
Visiting the Bade Hanuman Ji Temple is a profound experience. Devotees often speak of a palpable sense of peace and the powerful aura of Lord Hanuman. The practice of offering sindoor (vermilion) to the idol is a unique aspect of worship here. Devotees coat the idol with sindoor, which is considered auspicious and a protector against evils.
Bade Hanuman Ji Temple Opening Hours
The Bade Hanuman Ji Temple of Prayagraj is an active religious place that is open for visitors on all days of the week.
Morning Hours: It has opening hours that start at 5:30 in the morning and close at 2:00 PM. It enables the visitors to be able to attend to the morning occasions and as well be able to have a view of the temple in the morning.
Evening Hours: The temple is again opened for the evening worship at 5. 00 PM and closed at 8. 00 PM.
People throng the temple in large numbers on Tuesdays and Saturdays
These timings make sure that people, pilgrims as well as tourists, can get the time to visit the temple and seek the blessings of the sleeping form of Lord Hanuman which is a specialty about this temple.
How I Reach Bade Hanuman Ji Temple
Prayagraj is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The Bade Hanuman Ji Temple is easily accessible from any part of the city and is particularly close to other spiritual attractions, making it a convenient inclusion in any spiritual itinerary. The Bade Hanuman Ji Temple is located approximately 9kilometers in the Triweni Sangam from Allahabad Junction railway station. Next to the temple is also the famous Temple Shankara Vimana Mandapam built in South Indian style.
- Alopi Devi Mandir, Prayagraj: A Blend of Faith and Legend
- Shankar Viman Mandapam: Exploring the Divine Heights
- Sujawan Dev Mandir: Discovering the Divine
- Padila Mahadev Mandir: A Divine Legacy in Prayagraj
Conclusion
In fact, the Bade Hanuman Ji temple at Prayagraj is not only a place of divine pilgrimage but also a symbol of hope and faith for people across all spheres of life. It remains one of the greatest religious symbolisms of Hinduism and the inimitable stories of Lord Hanuman’s loyalty and commitment to Lord Ram. If a tourist is meditator, history lover or just curious human being, any visit to this sacred temple will be beneficial for the soul.
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